Hollywood star Idris Elba has announced he wants to retire from acting to pursue a career behind the camera. The Wire star, 53, was speaking at the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, when he announced his ambition to pivot towards being a director full-time. “I’m hoping that my fan base as an actor isn’t mad at me,” he told reporters, “but eventually I want to transfer to be a director fully.” The Luther protagonist added, “I’ve been acting for a long time. I love it still, but I think directing allows me to flex slightly different muscles and just be a part of the set in a different way. I really enjoy it.” And the Golden Globe winner—who also frequently DJs at festivals and nightclubs around the world—also revealed an ambition beyond the entertainment industry altogether. “There is a possibility that I may go to school and just study human science, not political science, because I think humans respond to humans regardless of whether it’s politics or sports,” the star said. “It’s about humans.” The statement pours cold water on hopes he could become the next James Bond, after spending years on the shortlist of Daniel Craig replacements.
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